VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 opens 460 positions across Graduate and Technician categories at India’s premier space research facility. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a constituent unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has announced a single-day walk-in selection drive on 25 July 2026 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. With 273 Graduate Apprentice positions (₹12,300/month stipend) and 187 Technician Apprentice posts (₹10,900/month), this recruitment spans 30+ engineering disciplines, hotel management, and general stream graduates. Candidates meeting the educational qualification and age criteria must attend in person with original documents-there is no online application process.
Quick Overview: VSSC Apprentice 2026-27
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO, Department of Space |
| Post Names | Graduate Apprentice & Technician Apprentice |
| Total Vacancies | 460 (273 Graduate + 187 Technician) |
| Notification Number | VSSC/R&R/9.2/WII-01/2026 dated 17/07/2026 |
| Selection Drive Date | 25/07/2026 (Saturday), 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Venue | Karthika Thirunal Govt V&GHSS for Girls, Manacaud, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
| Application Mode | Walk-in / Offline (No online application) |
| Training Duration | One year from date of joining |
| Official Website | https://www.vssc.gov.in |
Important Dates for VSSC Apprentice Selection Drive
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 17/07/2026 |
| Walk-In Selection Drive | 25/07/2026 (Saturday) |
| Reporting Time | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Age Reckoning Date | 31/07/2026 |
VSSC Apprentice Vacancy Breakdown 2026-27
Graduate Apprentice Vacancies (Stipend ₹12,300/month) – 273 Posts
| Discipline | Number of Positions |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering | 15 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10 |
| Civil Engineering | 12 |
| Computer Science/Engineering | 20 |
| Electrical Engineering | 12 |
| Electronics Engineering | 43 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 45 |
| Metallurgy | 6 |
| Production Engineering | 4 |
| Fire & Safety Engineering | 2 |
| Hotel Management/Catering Technology | 4 |
| General Stream (Non-Engineering) Graduates | 100 |
| Total | 273 |
Technician Apprentice Vacancies (Stipend ₹10,900/month) – 187 Posts
| Discipline | Number of Positions |
|---|---|
| Automobile Engineering | 8 |
| Chemical Engineering | 25 |
| Civil Engineering | 8 |
| Computer Science/Engineering | 15 |
| Electrical Engineering | 10 |
| Electronics Engineering | 40 |
| Instrument Technology | 6 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 50 |
| Diploma in Commercial Practice | 25 |
| Total | 187 |
Eligibility Criteria for VSSC Apprentice 2026-27
Candidates must meet specific educational qualifications and age limits depending on whether they are applying for Graduate Apprentice or Technician Apprentice positions. As per the official VSSC/R&R/9.2/WII-01/2026 notification dated 17/07/2026, those who completed their degree or diploma before April 2022, or who are pursuing post-graduate studies, are ineligible.
Educational Qualification Requirements
Graduate Apprentice – Engineering Disciplines: Four-year engineering degree (or three-year lateral entry degree) from a recognised university with a minimum of 65% marks or 6.84 CGPA in the respective engineering field.
Graduate Apprentice – Hotel Management/Catering Technology: First Class degree in Hotel Management or Catering Technology from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks.
Graduate Apprentice – General Stream (Non-Engineering): Bachelor’s degree (three-year duration) from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.32 CGPA. Training will be offered in administrative areas such as Administration, Finance & Accounts, and Purchase.
Technician Apprentice – Engineering Diploma: First Class Diploma in Engineering (three-year duration) from a State Board of Technical Education with a minimum of 65% marks or 6.84 CGPA.
Technician Apprentice – Diploma in Commercial Practice: Diploma in Commercial Practice (three-year duration) from a State Board of Technical Education with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.32 CGPA.
Where both CGPA and percentage conversion are available, at least one criterion (CGPA or percentage as printed on the certificate) must independently meet the prescribed norm. Conversion of CGPA to percentage is not permitted for eligibility verification purposes.
Age Limit (as on 31 July 2026)
| Category | UR | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice (Engineering & Non-Engineering) | 28 | 31 | 33 | 33 |
| Graduate Apprentice – PWBD | 38 | 41 | 43 | 43 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma in Engineering) | 30 | 33 | 35 | 35 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma in Engineering) – PWBD | 40 | 43 | 45 | 45 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma in Commercial Practice) | 26 | 29 | 31 | 31 |
| Technician Apprentice (Diploma in Commercial Practice) – PWBD | 36 | 39 | 41 | 41 |
Age Relaxation Details: OBC candidates receive an age relaxation of 3 years beyond the UR limit. SC and ST candidates are eligible for an additional 5 years over the UR age limit. PWBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) candidates, regardless of category, receive 10 years’ additional relaxation over their respective category upper age limit.
Other Eligibility Conditions
- Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.
- Candidates who have already undergone or are currently undergoing apprenticeship training under the Apprentices Act, 1961, are not eligible. Experience at any institution cannot be combined with the VSSC apprenticeship.
- Candidates who completed their degree or diploma more than five years before the passing month/year on their certificate are ineligible. If a candidate crosses the five-year window while empanelled or waitlisted, they will be removed from consideration.
- Candidates awaiting final-year degree results may apply, but must produce the original degree certificate at the time of the walk-in drive.
Who Should Consider This VSSC Apprentice Recruitment?
- Recent engineering graduates (within two years of graduation) in aeronautical, mechanical, electronics, computer science, and other listed disciplines with 60% or above marks are eligible.
- Hotel management or catering technology graduates with a first-class degree meet the criteria for specialised apprenticeships in food service operations.
- General stream bachelor’s degree holders from non-engineering backgrounds can apply for administrative apprenticeships; VSSC trains candidates in finance, accounts, and procurement roles.
- Diploma holders from engineering or commercial practice streams (within two years of passing) with marks matching the prescribed threshold can apply for technician-level positions.
- Candidates aged 28 (UR) to 33 (SC/ST) for graduate roles and 26-35 years (depending on discipline and category) are within the eligible age window.
Selection Process for VSSC Apprentice 2026-27
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Document Verification | Candidates report with original certificates and self-attested copies; VSSC officials verify educational qualifications and other eligibility claims. |
| Application Form Submission | Eligible candidates receive an application form at the venue, complete it, and submit it along with certificate/testimonial copies on the same day. |
| Merit-Based Selection | Ranking is determined by the highest marks scored in the candidate’s qualifying examination (degree/diploma final-year marks), with weightage given to reserved categories. |
| Panel Formation | Selected candidates are placed on a merit panel; induction depends on panel position and availability of vacancies in the chosen discipline. |
| NATS 2.0 Registration | Inducted apprentices are registered under a contract on the NATS 2.0 portal at www.nats.education.gov.in for formal apprenticeship tracking. |
Documents Required for VSSC Apprentice Walk-In Drive
Candidates must bring the following original documents and self-attested copies to the selection drive on 25 July 2026:
- Original and self-attested copy of degree/diploma certificate (provisional or final) or a certificate from the university/board confirming the award of the qualification.
- Original and self-attested copy of consolidated mark list for final year (provisional or final).
- Original and self-attested copy of SSLC/SSC/AISSE/ICSE certificate as proof of date of birth.
- One passport-size photograph (to be submitted with the application form at the venue).
- Experience certificate, if applicable.
- For SC candidates: Original and self-attested copy of a valid Community/Caste Certificate issued by the Tahsildar (Taluk Office).
- For OBC candidates: Original and self-attested copy of a valid Non-Creamy Layer Certificate issued by the Tahsildar in the prescribed Government of India format.
- For EWS candidates: Original and self-attested copy of a valid Income & Asset Certificate issued by the Tahsildar for the financial year 2026-27.
- For PWBD candidates: Original certificate of disability issued by a competent medical authority.
Candidates lacking any of these documents at the time of scrutiny will not be considered for further selection.
VSSC Apprentice Stipend and Benefits 2026-27
| Category | Monthly Stipend |
|---|---|
| Graduate Apprentice | ₹12,300/- |
| Technician Apprentice | ₹10,900/- |
The apprenticeship training period is one year from the date of joining. During training, canteen and transport facilities are provided by VSSC. Candidates must arrange their own accommodation; no residential facilities are provided by the centre.
About the VSSC Apprentice Role
VSSC apprentices work within India’s premier space research organisation, gaining hands-on experience in satellite development, rocket propulsion, ground systems engineering, and space technology support. Graduate apprentices typically work on advanced technical projects in their respective engineering disciplines, while technician apprentices provide operational and technical support in manufacturing, assembly, and testing facilities. Positions offer exposure to cutting-edge aerospace and space technology applications, with learning opportunities across mechanical, electronics, software, and structural engineering domains. Successful apprentices often transition to regular employment within ISRO or advance to higher roles in the space sector upon completion of their one-year training.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Applying for VSSC Apprentice 2026
- Carrying only photocopies instead of originals: The notification mandates original documents plus self-attested copies. Candidates presenting only photocopies will be rejected at the document verification stage, regardless of their qualifications.
- Converting CGPA to percentage on your own: Since CGPA-to-percentage conversion is not permitted for eligibility verification, candidates must rely on the exact figures (either CGPA or percentage) as printed on their degree or diploma certificate.
- Ignoring the five-year passing window: Candidates who passed their degree or diploma more than five years before the selection drive will be ineligible. If you are within two months of crossing this threshold, verify your exact passing month and year before travelling to the venue.
- Submitting an outdated or wrongly formatted OBC-NCL certificate: OBC candidates must carry a Non-Creamy Layer certificate issued in the prescribed Government of India format by the Tahsildar. An outdated or non-standard format certificate will result in rejection.
- Assuming there is an online application process: This is a walk-in-only recruitment with no online portal. Candidates searching for an online application link may miss the selection drive entirely if they do not read the notification carefully.
- Arriving without proof of date of birth: Candidates must carry an SSLC/SSC/AISSE/ICSE certificate or equivalent to verify their date of birth. Without this, age eligibility cannot be confirmed, and candidates will not be shortlisted.
What Happens After You Apply?
- Candidates attend the walk-in selection drive on 25/07/2026 from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the venue in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Document verification takes place on the spot; eligible candidates are handed an application form to complete and submit at the venue.
- Merit list is prepared based on qualifying examination marks (degree/diploma final-year percentage/CGPA) with weightage for reserved categories.
- Selected candidates are placed on an empanelment panel; induction depends on their position in the panel and vacancy availability.
- Inducted apprentices are registered on the NATS 2.0 portal and commence one-year apprenticeship training immediately or as per VSSC’s notification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is the VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 a walk-in drive only, with no online application option?
Ans. Yes, this VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 is entirely walk-in-based. There is no online application portal or fee submission process. Candidates must report in person to the designated venue on 25 July 2026 with original documents. This single-day format means you cannot apply remotely or submit applications after the drive date.
Q2. I completed my degree in April 2022. Am I eligible for the VSSC Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Ans. No. According to the official notification, candidates who completed their degree before April 2022 are ineligible. Since you passed in April 2022, you are at the boundary; verify your exact passing month and year on your degree certificate, as the cutoff is strict.
Q3. Can I convert my CGPA to a percentage to meet the 65% eligibility requirement for engineering graduates?
Ans. No. The notification explicitly states that CGPA-to-percentage conversion is not permitted for eligibility purposes. You must use the exact percentage or CGPA as printed on your degree certificate. If your certificate shows only CGPA, that figure alone is used for eligibility verification.
Q4. What is the age reckoning date, and how is my age calculated for the walk-in drive?
Ans. The age reckoning date is 31 July 2026. Your age will be calculated as of this date, not the actual date of the walk-in drive on 25 July. If you will turn 29 between 25 July and 31 July, you will be considered as 29 years old for UR category eligibility purposes.
Q5. I have worked for one year at a private firm before. Does this experience count toward the apprenticeship requirement, or can I still apply?
Ans. No. The notification states that candidates with one year or more of experience at any institution are ineligible. Additionally, you cannot combine prior apprenticeships across institutions. Your previous work experience disqualifies you from this recruitment.
Q6. If I am selected and placed on the merit panel, when will I be called to join?
Ans. Induction depends on your position in the merit panel and the availability of vacancies in your chosen discipline. Selected candidates are registered on the NATS 2.0 portal and called for training as per the panel ranking and vacancies. The exact joining date will be communicated by VSSC after the selection process concludes.
Q7. Are accommodation and transport facilities provided during the one-year apprenticeship at VSSC?
Ans. Transport and canteen facilities are provided during the training period. However, candidates must arrange their own accommodation; VSSC does not provide residential facilities. You will need to find private lodging in Thiruvananthapuram.
Q8. What is the difference between the Graduate Apprentice and Technician Apprentice roles in terms of job responsibilities and salary?
Ans. Graduate Apprentices (₹12,300/month) typically work on advanced technical and engineering projects related to satellite systems, propulsion, and structural design. Technician Apprentices (₹10,900/month) support manufacturing, assembly, and testing operations. Both roles offer one-year training with exposure to space technology; differences lie in technical depth and the discipline focus.
Your Next Step
Report to the walk-in selection drive venue in Thiruvananthapuram on 25 July 2026 between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM with all original documents and self-attested copies listed above. Bring your degree or diploma certificate, mark list, date of birth proof, and any applicable category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PWBD) to avoid rejection at document verification. After scrutiny, complete and submit the application form on the same day. Our free job alert service will keep you updated on merit list announcements and induction timelines as VSSC releases them; bookmark MyNaukriAlert.com for further notifications on ISRO and space sector recruitments.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| VSSC Official Website | Visit Website |
